Today’s Topic: Should You Be Concerned About the OL Numbers?
I’m not trying to worry you, but it might be time to start worrying.
Ohio State currently stands at 11 scholarship offensive linemen on the 2019 roster, which would tie for the lowest number this century.
Ten of those 11 will be on campus for spring ball, with 5-star center Harry Miller arriving in the summer.
There is a chance they could add one or two more through recruiting. Four-star West Virginia prospect Doug Nester is still technically committed, though he is taking visits to make sure he is choosing the correct school. Three-star Indianapolis lineman Dawand Jones took an official visit to Ohio State this past weekend, and the 6-foot-8, 360-pounder holds offers from OSU, USC, Auburn, Florida State, Penn State, Texas, and Michigan.
With the Buckeyes losing five linemen from the 2018 team, there are spots to be filled. Currently, the 2018 class only has two players signed, but Nester and/or Jones would help that number greatly.
This past season, the Buckeyes had 14 scholarship offensive linemen and a few of them were dealing with injuries. With 14 options, they could afford a few injuries. But even 14 scholarships is low compared to 2017 through 2014 when the Buckeyes had 16 or 17 each year.
Right now, things are looking more like the Jim Tressel days when they would fluctuate between 12 and 14 generally. Tressel and Jim Bollman believed that versatile offensive linemen gave them better numbers than their actual numbers.
In other words, a guy like Jack Mewhort who could play anywhere on the offensive line is more like three players than one. However, if he gets hurt, now you’re also down three players instead of one.
When Urban Meyer arrived, he went to work on building up the numbers on the offensive line. That’s not just to help the offense, but also special teams.
The Buckeyes only brought in three linemen in 2018 and may only bring in that many in this class. They could also resort to ye olde position switch with a guy like 2018 freshman Alex Williams, who is a big (6-7 250) defensive end still learning the ropes.
We took at a look at the depth chart on offense this weekend and while the talent on hand looks good and Greg Studrawa is comfortable with it, the ability to go “next man up” if somebody goes down would make things much less comfortable.
Generally, if you have eight guys that you are comfortable with — a starting five and then a backup at tackle, guard, and center — you’ll be fine as long as they stay healthy.
But the need for 14 or more linemen isn’t just about 2019, it’s about being set up for 2020 and beyond. It’s not unusual for an offensive linemen to sit for two or three years before contributing on offense. Having numbers allows players to grow without being put in situations that can harm the offense.
Here’s where things stand this spring.
Left Tackle
75 Thayer Munford, Jr
76 Branden Bowen, rSr OR
74 Max Wray, rFr OR
77 Nicholas Petit-Frere
Left Guard
76 Branden Bowen, rSr OR
61 Gavin Cupp, rJr
Ryan Jacoby, Fr
Center
71 Josh Myers, rSo
55 Matthew Jones, rFr
Right Guard
52 Wyatt Davis, rSo
61 Gavin Cupp, rJr
Ryan Jacoby, Fr
Right Tackle
58 Josh Alabi, rSr OR
77 Nicholas Petit-Frere, rFr
74 Max Wray, rFr
Ryan Jacoby, Fr
Harry Miller will add another interior option. If Doug Nester or Dawand Jones are added, they could end up inside or outside.
After all, if the numbers are going to be low, guys will have to move to the spots where they are needed.
So should you be worried?
No. At least not yet.
If Greg Studrawa can’t find a top eight, however, then maybe you might wanna start.